“Do you want to join 65,000 screaming fans, but worry that you can’t afford football tickets and a hotel stay in Cincinnati? Use this guide to find the perfect, budget-friendly place to crash while traveling to support your Bengals.”

Cincinnati is home to Italian architecture, fascinating history, and thrilling sports. The Cincinnati Bengals first graced the Cincy scene in 1937, and throughout the years they have rocked sports fans with exciting antics and sterling athleticism. Today they play home games at Paul Brown Stadium, a venue with room for more than 65,000 screaming, crazy fans. Do you want to join them but worry that you can’t afford football tickets and a hotel stay in Cincinnati? Use this guide to find the perfect, budget-friendly place to crash while traveling to support your team.

For the Cheapest Stay, Choose a Cincinnati Motel

Cincinnati hostels are in short supply, but there are affordable motel options in the area that will appeal to students and other die-hard footballs fans who aren’t drowning in extra cash. The Florence/Cincinnati South Knights Inn in Florence, Kentucky is less than a 20-minute drive from the stadium and boasts ridiculously low rates. The Travelodge in Florence has similarly stellar deals. It is possible to book a room at either location for less than $40 a night.

If you’re looking for a super cheap place to stay within the Cincinnati city limits, think about the Motel 6 Cincinnati South. The Super 8 Fort Mitchell/Cinci OH Downtown is likely to cost a little more, but its convenient location -- 10 minutes away from the stadium -- makes it worth a few extra dollars.

Bengals Fans on a Budget Should Look to Northern Kentucky

Expect to pay at least $100 a night for a hotel in Cincinnati around game day -- or any other time, for that matter. The Millennium Hotel Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH, has rates that start around $97. That might seem a little on the pricey side, but the hotel boasts a sweet address; it is only half a mile from the stadium.

If you really want to trim your budget, look for a hotel in northern Kentucky. Covington, Florence, and Newport are all close. In fact, if you stay in Covington or Newport, you may be able to find an affordable hotel within walking distance of Paul Brown Stadium. TANK, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, offers bus service from Florence to downtown Cincinnati.

Choose Airbnb for Room to Spread Out

Airbnb has over 150 properties in Cincinnati, about one-third of which are an entire home or apartment. They run anywhere from $60 a night to a couple hundred dollars a night; pick one of the cheaper ones and bring a group of friends to split the cost. If your friends aren’t as thrilled by football and decide to stay behind, you can book a shared room through Airbnb, which can cost as little as $20 a night.

Downtown Is the Prime Place to Stay to Catch a Game

Most of the hotels in downtown Cincinnati are within walking distance of the stadium, so staying in the area can save you a ton of money on parking and spare you the frustration of navigating an unfamiliar transit system. The Avondale neighborhood is only about four miles from the stadium, and the Mount Adams neighborhood is only two miles away. If you stay in a neighborhood that is farther away, use TANK or the city’s Metro bus system to get to the games.

Beyond the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium

Football isn’t the only worthy festivity that takes place at Paul Brown Stadium. You may want to travel there to check out the Macy’s Music Festival or another concert. The venue also occasionally hosts charity events.

The thrill of football at Paul Brown Stadium isn’t beyond the reach of fans who have to watch their pennies. Book your place to stay, pack up your orange and black, and get ready to scream for your team.